Skip to content
  • About
  • Partner with Us
  • Indonesia
  • Subscribe
  • Log In
Primary Menu
  • Home
  • Latest
  • Topics
  • News
  • Brief
  • Interview
  • Opinion
  • Figure
  • Infographic
  • Video
  • Community
  • Partner
  • Press Release
  • Youth
  • Global
  • Featured
  • Soft News

WOTR India: Rural Development Through a Holistic Approach

A non-profit organization supports the development of rural India through a human-centered, nature-based strategy called Ecosystem-based Adaptation (EbA).
by Kresentia Madina August 16, 2022
a man standing behind a cow equipped with plowing tools

Photo by amol sonar on Unsplash

There is no doubt that climate change is impacting all of us. However, rural people who depend on nature suffer a more significant impact from the degraded ecosystem.

In India, a non-profit organization called Watershed Organization Trust (WOTR) has supported rural communities across the country through water and food management. The organization uses a strategy called Ecosystem-based Adaptation (EbA).

Watershed Organization Trust

WOTR was first established in 1993 with the mission of creating resilient rural communities that are capable of managing their own resources. As of 2021, WOTR’s programs have reached over 5,200 villages across 9 states in India. 

A watershed is an area that drains off rainfall and snow into bodies of water, such as rivers and streams. This drainage basin is essential for the ecosystem in rural India because it improves groundwater and crop quality and restores eroded soil. Unfortunately, unsustainable agricultural practices have damaged the ecosystem.

WOTR’s watershed management program is grounded on Ecosystem-based Adaptation (EbA). This program is a series of interventions at farm and landscape levels.

Ecosystem-based Adaptation

The United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity defines Ecosystem-based Adaptation as “the use of biodiversity and ecosystem services as part of an overall adaptation strategy to help people adapt to the adverse effects of climate change.” In other words, EbA is a strategy that is human-centered and nature-based.

The EbA strategy was first implemented in Maharashtra through a holistic design of interventions, which include disaster risk reduction, biodiversity & ecosystem services, water budgeting, agro-meteorology, adaptive sustainable agriculture, watershed development, and energy alternatives.

The results of these interventions are assessed based on three criteria:

  • Helping people adapt to climate change

Practicing climate-resilient agriculture resulted in an increase in income by 37%. Food quality improved, and the distress migration stopped due to increased available water.

  • Improving ecosystems and biodiversity

Farm forestry resulted in an increase in forest cover and plantations by 43%. Treating watersheds through soil and water conservation measures also halted soil erosion and reclaimed gullies. There was also an increase in water storage capacity by 87%.

  • Strengthening participatory governance

The project saw an increase in women’s participation in governance and decision-making. Four more institutions were also formed throughout the project to participate in natural resources management.

Supporting SDGs

According to Rural Marketing, WOTR has recently started its watershed development program in 10 villages in Karnataka state. The program will focus on treating the village areas and drainage system, promoting water-saving technologies, testing soil, and promoting agricultural livelihood activities and practices. If adopted widely, WOTR’s Ecosystem-based Adaptation can support India’s progress toward achieving Sustainable Development Goals.

Editor: Nazalea Kusuma


Subscribe to Green Network Asia
Strengthen your personal and professional development with cross-sectoral insights on sustainability-related issues and sustainable development across the Asia Pacific and beyond.
Select Your Subscription Plan
Kresentia Madina
Kresentia Madina
Reporter at Green Network Asia | Website |  + postsBio

Madina is the Assistant Manager for Digital Publications at Green Network Asia. She graduated from Universitas Indonesia with a bachelor's degree in English Literature. She has three years of professional experience working on GNA international digital publications, programs, and partnerships particularly on social and cultural issues.

  • Kresentia Madina
    https://greennetwork.asia/author/kresentiamadina/
    ASEAN and the UK Launched Partnership for Health Security
  • Kresentia Madina
    https://greennetwork.asia/author/kresentiamadina/
    GRI’s Updated Sustainability Standards on Climate Change and Energy
  • Kresentia Madina
    https://greennetwork.asia/author/kresentiamadina/
    Australian Climate Visa for Citizens of Tuvalu: Showcasing cross-border partnership in light of the climate crisis
  • Kresentia Madina
    https://greennetwork.asia/author/kresentiamadina/
    A Worrying State of Insect Decline

Continue Reading

Previous: How to Provide Childcare during Humanitarian Crises
Next: Linking Forest Patches in Peninsular Malaysia

Related Stories

child surrounded by smoke in the head Integrating Environmental Indicators in Stunting Eradication Strategy
  • Featured
  • Opinion

Integrating Environmental Indicators in Stunting Eradication Strategy

by Alek Karci July 11, 2025
A wet light bulb hanging on a wire How Solar Sister Connects Clean Energy with Women’s Empowerment
  • Exclusive
  • Featured
  • Soft News

How Solar Sister Connects Clean Energy with Women’s Empowerment

by Attiatul Noor July 10, 2025
Constructions for biogas development Community-based Renewable Energy Initiatives in Halmahera’s Transmigrant Villages
  • Community Content
  • Featured

Community-based Renewable Energy Initiatives in Halmahera’s Transmigrant Villages

by Arifa Fajar July 9, 2025
wooden blocks with symbols ASEAN and the UK Launched Partnership for Health Security
  • Exclusive
  • Featured
  • Soft News

ASEAN and the UK Launched Partnership for Health Security

by Kresentia Madina July 8, 2025
A young man sits alone in a low light room, looking distressed while holding his phone. How the Manosphere Is Reshaping Young Men’s Identity
  • Brief
  • Featured

How the Manosphere Is Reshaping Young Men’s Identity

by Sukma Prasanthi July 7, 2025
Vegetable farming How Plant the Emirates Aims to Support Food Self-Sufficiency in the UAE
  • Exclusive
  • Featured
  • Soft News

How Plant the Emirates Aims to Support Food Self-Sufficiency in the UAE

by Attiatul Noor July 4, 2025

About Us

  • GNA CEO’s Letter
  • GNA In-House Team
  • GNA Author Network
  • GNA Press Release Guidelines
  • GNA Op-ed Article Guidelines
  • GNA Community Content Guidelines
  • GNA Internship
  • Contact Us
  • Terms of Service
  • Privacy Policy
© 2021-2025 Green Network Asia